The L-O-S-T in T-SPLOST refers to public trust
There’s a saying for politicians and for those of us who cover them: The voters are always right. While we’re bound to be subjected to a round or two of recriminations about who’s to blame for the absolute debacle that was the metro Atlanta T-SPLOST campaign, pay attention to those who show signs of understanding and accepting that saying. They’re the ones who will be most likely to find the way forward from here.
For my part, here’s what I think the voters were saying in their 63-37 defeat of the $7.2 billion tax.
The political class has lost our trust.
If that sounds obvious, consider that it’s also a puzzling situation, given that many of the same people who voted overwhelmingly against the T-SPLOST have been voting in large numbers to elect the same Republican politicians who gave us the T-SPLOST. I think there’s a pretty clear explanation: This is the consequence of having a one-party state.
Georgia has been a one-party state for pretty much 140 years now. The first 130 years, it was a one-party state ruled by Democrats. The past 10 years, it’s been a one-party state ruled by Republicans and Democrats-turned-Republicans. (Note: I am referring here only to the party holding the levers at the state level, not municipal or federal offices.) For most of those 140 years, there has been very little credible, effective opposition from the minority party. I’m sure it was worse for the Republicans at times between Reconstruction and Sonny Perdue’s watershed win in 2002, but the situation is pretty bleak right now for Georgia Democrats. And that means Georgia Republicans feel very little electoral heat, which leads them to act in a very insular way.
That’s played out no more clearly than in their attitude toward ethics: If legislators are wise, they’ll recognize that the lack of public trust on display in the T-SPLOST vote means they can’t very well ignore the support of 87 percent of GOP voters for a lengthening of the proverbial arm separating lobbyists from legislators. If I heard one voter say he thought T-SPLOST was all about rewarding political contributors and allies, I heard it from dozens of voters. Legislators cannot go too far in trying to improve the negative public perception around our lawmaking process.
Geographically, at least as it relates to the T-SPLOST, you can locate the center of that lack of trust along the Ga. 400 corridor. Perdue arguably lost Tuesday’s tax vote two years ago when he reneged on the longstanding promise to end the toll when the original bonds were paid off. An opinion poll conducted for the AJC, published last weekend, showed the 400 toll extension was a factor for 55 percent of voters — and that 64 percent of voters doubted the T-SPLOST would end when promised and be limited to the projects on the list.
Nathan Deal obviously thought he could show some good faith by announcing recently that the tolls would come down by the end of next year, fulfilling one of his campaign promises. But the AJC’s opinion poll showed the maneuver actually made voters less likely to vote for the T-SPLOST by a net 6 percentage points. The reason, in my view, is that it sends a signal that state government decides when and how to make these decisions on purely political considerations. Bad political considerations, it now appears.
There are a couple of ways for elected officials to show they understand this message. First and foremost, they must demonstrate clearly that all available transportation money is being spent as wisely and efficiently as possible.
That means showing transportation spending really is a priority for the state. All revenues from the motor fuel tax should be directed to transportation; currently, part of it goes to the general fund. When the inflation-driven formula for the motor fuel tax dictates that the rate should rise to keep spending level in real terms, state government should let it rise. Where money can be cut from lesser priorities and redirected to transportation infrastructure, it should be cut and redirected.
As for efficiency, the state needs to be much more transparent about which projects are priorities based on pure cost-benefit analysis, and begin spending the money we do have on the highest-rated projects. If that means re-examining the wisdom of balancing spending based on congressional districts — they might be equal in population, but they aren’t necessarily equal in terms of transportation needs — so be it.
The money I’ve talked about so far would probably be skewed toward roads rather than mass transit, if only because a constitutional amendment allowing gas-tax revenues to fund transit looks like a sure loser. Transit should be addressed in a two-step manner: First, create a truly regional (if not state-run) governance structure for mass transit in metro Atlanta that incorporates MARTA and the other transit agencies. Second, allow voters beyond Fulton and DeKalb to vote in a referendum to participate in the system, with specific descriptions of the infrastructure and services that would come with it. If they want to join, let them join the same way Fulton and DeKalb joined MARTA.
If some of that sounds like baby steps, well, that’s because they are. One of these days, the people who run our government — at the local, state and federal levels — are going to realize a little modesty on their part would go a long way toward re-establishing the public trust they’ve clearly lost.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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1,018 comments Add your comment
I demand to see Cheesy Grits Birth Certificate- Long Form Please
August 1st, 2012
3:40 pm
What consequences? Chicfil is doing quite well.
Yes they are. They are laughing all the way to the bank over this ” controversy ”
Keep spending money Christian solider.
Would you like fries with that.. LOL
Keep Up the Good Fight!
August 1st, 2012
3:40 pm
Christians, not so much
More beef, 10% less killing…..
Paul Jones
August 1st, 2012
3:41 pm
I think TSPLOST lost because we the voters just didn’t trust the politicians to do what they say they are going to do with all that money. I can just imagine some of that money finding it’s way for the new stadium or some other project that they, the politicians deem as a “we have to do it” project. Also, I think that taxing us more in this economy isn’t good timing with people barely getting by as it is.
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
3:41 pm
“Keep spending money Christian solider.”
My money, that I earned, will continue to go towards Chicfila, the NRA etc.
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
3:42 pm
Keep Up the Good Fight!
Again misses the point.
Will
August 1st, 2012
3:42 pm
T-splost failing proves why we are a second rate city. Our infrastructure still sucks and its evident that until public transportation and road planning are improved we will remain that way. In the meantime, businesses will shun us for better alternatives.
I demand to see Cheesy Grits Birth Certificate- Long Form Please
August 1st, 2012
3:42 pm
But not all, like you claim.
You’ve officially moved to clown stage.
I know it hurts getting owned.
Its ok . Take a walk around the block.
Second thought at your age dont. LOL
james
August 1st, 2012
3:43 pm
So glad T-splost was soundly beaten. I think
North Georgia folks have had enough of these low
life politicians to see through this tax. Maybe
Atlanta will vote out REED who is just another Atlanta Mayor
who needs to get a real job. Not sure what in the
heck the people over in Augusta area and Savannah area
were thinking by passing this law…
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
3:44 pm
“You’ve officially moved to clown stage.”
Like I stated earlier, libs always resort to name calling.
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
3:44 pm
“Second thought at your age dont. LOL”
Personal attacks get you banned. Also, I’m much younger than you realize.
That Black guy
August 1st, 2012
3:45 pm
USMC
August 1st, 2012
12:22 pm
“I don’t know how much more anti-government you can get than that.”
I would say there is a GIGANTIC difference in ANTI government/taxes and LIMITED government/taxes, but I don’t expect to change your (closed) mind.
The author even gives you a clue…. the word “limited”…
“Man is not free unless government is LIMITED.”
___________________________________________________
That’s because in todays political climate, almost everything has to be taken to extremes.
If you want smaller/limited government, it means you want absolutely NO government of ANY kind, EVAH!
If you say government is necessary, then you want government to control every aspect of life, FOREVAH!
If you disagree with someone, it means you HATE them.
If you agree with someone, it means you WORSHIP them.
There is no room for civil discourse in this country anymore.
The days of talking TO someone are over.
The days of talking AT people are at their zenith.
I demand to see Cheesy Grits Birth Certificate- Long Form Please
August 1st, 2012
3:45 pm
Ok
I pass the baton.
Logic I would say it was fun but spanking you all over these boards really isn’t much of a challenge.
See ya
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
3:46 pm
I demand to see Cheesy Grits Birth Certificate- Long Form Please
FYI, things work differently over here than they do over on Bookman’s blog. For instance, when you resort to name calling and personal attacks, Kyle will ban you. He doesn’t just ban one side like Bookman does.
Bruno
August 1st, 2012
3:46 pm
I don’t take it as an insult at all. My only complaint is aimed at people who are dissing others for their personal choice in the matter, whether that choice is to patronize CFA or to avoid it entirely.
Joe–As I questioned above, do you really think that protesting at Chik-fil-A is going to change the political landscape for gay folks even one iota?? If you think about it, their views on gay marriage have been the same for many years. Just my opinion, but I think your efforts would be better directed in the political arena. More or less chicken sales isn’t going to change a thing.
I don’t often post here because my temperature often shoots up past the Publicly Polite range when I do.
Awwww, c’mon, Joe. If I could put up with Jay for the past 3 years, you can handle the crowd here. Kyle’s a sweetheart by comparison.
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
3:46 pm
“Logic I would say it was fun but spanking you all over these boards really isn’t much of a challenge.”
You’re a legend in your own mind.
LASO
August 1st, 2012
3:47 pm
Transit and roads go hand in hand – it’s part of a COMPLETE transportation solution. @Kyle – makes absolutely no sense to use the gas tax for roads only. Politically, yes – but logically, no. Otherwise – a very thoughtful and well written piece. And I agree with the earlier post regarding the Tea Party. Bestowning credit to them for the defeat of TSPLOST is beyond laughable. This was bound to fail at it’s inception. The current state leaders are unable and unwilling (and quite frankly, uneducated in regards to urban transportation planning) to be a part of the solution. And sadly, even baby steps are well beyond their ability.
Joe Mama
August 1st, 2012
3:50 pm
Logic — “What consequences? Chicfil is doing quite well.”
Then Mr. Hollister has no complaint coming, now does he?
Keep Up the Good Fight!
August 1st, 2012
3:51 pm
More or less chicken sales isn’t going to change a thing.
Perhaps, but then again at least profits from any sales they would have from those of us who stay away are not available to go to the offensive causes the company promotes. That is one of the basics of “free enterprise”, right. Otherwise your contention seems to suggest “free enterprise” fails on some levels.
josef
August 1st, 2012
3:51 pm
GOOD FIGHT
@ 3:40
You got it, Mec. Did the poster not see the absurd in that statement, or does s/he actually think it’s sorta okay…just keep the numbers manageable?
mary Jean
August 1st, 2012
3:52 pm
Made my support visit to Chick – Fil – A and happy to report the lines were much longer than usual. This political move by the radicals may actually backfire on Obama. No one wants to have an in your face PDA while they are dining with their children. If I were the gay community I would reconsider. As for T-SPLOST – it was to much state wide tax money going to one area – Atlanta. Most south of Atlanta would ever use it. Trust in big government spending programs, even on the state level, is hard to come by in this economic environment. My heart goes out Chick –
Fil – A who last a long time “family” member last week. I never understand why the news media wishes to give ink to idiots and haters like Rose Anne Barr who recently tweeted than she hoped all people that ate at Chick – Fil – A got cancer and died. She also attacked Christians saying that Chick – Fil – A killed chickens for Christ. Rose Ann no one cares about your opinion.
Joe Mama
August 1st, 2012
3:53 pm
R. Hollister — “For the poll people, you might as well use one of the two who got the 2008 election right.”
Just FYI, Rasmussen *also* posted the single most *inaccurate* political poll in modern history in 2010. He was *forty points off* in predicting the US Senate race in Hawaii.
Jose
August 1st, 2012
3:53 pm
POLLS DONT MEAN ANYTHING UNLESS THEY REFLECT THE ACTUALL BREAKDOWN OF PREVIOUS VOTES IN THAT DISTRICT
for liberals that means questioning 56% democrats, 40% republicans and 4% independent in a poll doesnt mean anything unless the historical vote of that area reflects that turnout
this could ACCURATELY reflect CALIFORNIA but not so much FLORIDA-OHIO
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
3:53 pm
“Did the poster not see the absurd in that statement,”
Looks like josef totally missed the point. Not surprised.
JDW
August 1st, 2012
3:54 pm
Just not a good week for ole Mittens is it…
“NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — Mitt Romney’s tax plan would provide large tax cuts to the very wealthy, while increasing the tax burden on the lower and middle classes, according to a study released Wednesday.
The report — produced by researchers at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center — illustrates just how difficult it would be to recoup government revenue lost under Romney’s plan.”
Of course I am sure his plan cuts his taxes.
http://money.cnn.com/2012/08/01/news/economy/romney-tax-plan/index.htm?source=cnn_bin
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
3:55 pm
“Mitt Romney’s tax plan would provide large tax cuts to the very wealthy”
GREAT! Since it is rich people who create and run companies and all.
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
3:56 pm
JDW
Besides bankrupting the US and running companies out of the US, what is Obama’s alternative to Romney’s plan?
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
3:59 pm
Unemployment has been over 8% for Obama’s entire first term.
So WHY would anyone want to vote for a guy who has no idea how economics works?
Oblama
August 1st, 2012
4:00 pm
This so called kiss in is going to BOOST Chick – Fil – A’s sales if it is carried out. I predict also this will cost Obama votes with independents who have this in your face PDA imposed on them simply because they want a chicken sandwich. Most people don’t want to see PDA while they are eating no matter they be gay or straight. There are millions that disagree with “gay” marriage many are Dems and independents. T-SPLOST was a loser before it got out of the gate. It’s a statement against tax and spend more than Repub and Dem.
Joe Mama
August 1st, 2012
4:01 pm
Bruno — “Joe–As I questioned above, do you really think that protesting at Chik-fil-A is going to change the political landscape for gay folks even one iota??”
One, I’m not “protesting.” Two, you misjudge my objective.
No, I don’t expect that refusing to patronize CFA will change anything. Then again, as my wife says, ‘let’s not give any money to people who hate us or our friends.” It’s really as simple as that.
“If you think about it, their views on gay marriage have been the same for many years.”
I’m sure they have. And I thank Mr. Cathy for admitting that his personal views are the guiding principles for how he runs his business. Now I know not to go there any more.
“Just my opinion, but I think your efforts would be better directed in the political arena. More or less chicken sales isn’t going to change a thing.”
It’s not about changing anything. It’s about not *supporting* his business and being implicitly in support of the groups and causes he funds.
“Awwww, c’mon, Joe. If I could put up with Jay for the past 3 years, you can handle the crowd here. Kyle’s a sweetheart by comparison.”
Given some of your displays at Jay’s, I have to wonder at your motives at wanting me to hang out here.
stands for decibels
August 1st, 2012
4:01 pm
Just FYI, Rasmussen *also* posted the single most *inaccurate* political poll in modern history in 2010.
Rassy’s candidate polling is ok so long as you recognize the house effect and subtract about 2-3 points from the GOPer and add it to the Dem.
Rassy’s issue polling is almost always a complete joke–the questions are invariably scripted to elicit a desired response. They’re not real subtle about it either.
and their made-up “Presidential Approval Index” is probably the silliest metric every flogged to the public.
Road Scholar
August 1st, 2012
4:02 pm
Kyle: Thanks for your responses.
With a turnout like this on your thread, are you going to pay Jay to stay away another week? (Tee Hee!) While I don’t agree at times, you do a good job! Keep it up! We need serious discourse on fixing problems…not whining about them.
Gale
August 1st, 2012
4:02 pm
The ChikFilA flap is a tempest in a teapot. The gay community has been aware of Cathey’s view for years. The man has a right to say what he wants and support whatever group he wants, even if that group promotes discrimination. All the hate on both sides of the issue serves no purpose. Soon or late, same sex marriage will be legal. Some people will always think it is wrong. It matters not. All citizens must be treated equally under the law.
Erwin's cat
August 1st, 2012
4:03 pm
Cheesy – when did 30% become a majority?
Numbers-R-US
August 1st, 2012
4:03 pm
Some people must like to go to jam-packed restaurants for fast food. Not me. I stayed home and ate a salad. I chopped up a boiled egg and put on it. It was good. It was cheaper than anything comparable from a fast food restaurant.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
August 1st, 2012
4:05 pm
josef, you do know the past history of that particular poster right?
If not, I am sure he can invite you to a Starbucks to discuss his intimate relationship with the Cox big wigs (including his meeting there with a friend on a fishing trip) and why nothing is free. 
100% chest pumping, 0% reality and substance…..
Which is why he makes unsupported assertions about “lies”.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
August 1st, 2012
4:08 pm
If this is indicative of the whining and moaning we’re going to hear when Obama loses in November, I’ll just have to take me a vacation.
Joe Mama
August 1st, 2012
4:09 pm
Tiberius — “when Obama loses in November”
Sorry, just not seeing it.
http://www.electoral-vote.com
BW
August 1st, 2012
4:10 pm
Kyle
It’s so interesting how many of these posters have nothing substantive at all to your blog topic.
BW
August 1st, 2012
4:11 pm
should read “to add”
josef
August 1st, 2012
4:12 pm
GOOD FIGHT
Is that who he is? I thought it sounded familiar…
LOGIC LIB
Do you know the meaning of the word absurd? That was an absurd comparison you made. But, funny, nonetheless…
*******
GALE
Yeah, like gay folks are surprised…! Tempest in a teapot, for sure…
Gale
August 1st, 2012
4:13 pm
The topic, BW? I think Kyle hit the nail on the head. The public does not trust their elected officials enough to give them more money. What’s more to say?
King Roy
August 1st, 2012
4:13 pm
T-SPLOST is DEAD. just like my political career. The King is dead. Big government is going to soon be out of style because the government is out of funds and the printing press is out of ink. People will be relocating out of Atlanta in droves. No more jobs, no more gub’ment checks. Relocate the state capitol to Macon where it will be more centrally located and the entrenched cronies in Atlanta will be out of power. Major changes ahead. Eat More Chicken’!
KatyWatts
August 1st, 2012
4:14 pm
My complete distrust of politicians, both republican and democrat is the number one reason I voted no. Five years down the road, if this vote had passed, they would have found another reason to reallocate the money and there wouldn’t be one damn thing we could do about it. I say TERM LIMITS FOR ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
King Roy
August 1st, 2012
4:19 pm
Mama – Did Mr. Cathy say he hated you? No,,,,,, that is just your opinion and not fact. Then again, you may be an ordained member of the “Thought Police” , a division of Big Brother, Inc.
Thulsa Doom
August 1st, 2012
4:19 pm
I was on the fence as to whether or not to support t-splost but there is no doubt that people have lost trust in govt. They lost it long ago and rightfully so. Kyle mentions that the govt needs to prioritize road expenditures based on “cost-benefits” analysis. Are you kidding Kyle? You give govt way to much credit if you think they would actually do that. That’s way too much common sense to expect from govt.
In other news I see that in several places including where i used to live in Peachtree Hills down in Buckhead that the chick fil a supporters are lined up around blocks waiting to get served at CFA in their cfa appreciation day. I gotta say I just love to see people standing up for free speech. Take that hatemongers!
Bruno
August 1st, 2012
4:21 pm
Keep: Perhaps, but then again at least profits from any sales they would have from those of us who stay away are not available to go to the offensive causes the company promotes.
Joe: It’s not about changing anything. It’s about not *supporting* his business and being implicitly in support of the groups and causes he funds.
Keep and Joe–As you may or may not be aware, the Cathys have donated millions and millions of dollars over the years to support children’s causes, specifically in support of foster care. Whatever they have donated to “traditional family” causes pales by comparison.
The bottom line is that none of us are perfect. The good that the Cathys have done for the community far, far outweighs any harm. Obviously it’s your choice whether to support their business or not, but I think your confusing the mountain and the molehill.
Joe Mama
August 1st, 2012
4:21 pm
King Roy — “Mama – Did Mr. Cathy say he hated you? No,,,,,, that is just your opinion and not fact.”
Didn’t say ‘me.’ Said ‘us or our friends.’
DITTO
August 1st, 2012
4:22 pm
Indeed I agree – no ore big spending programs until the government reduces the debt .. and TERM LIMITS for ALL.
Logic was never intended for libs
August 1st, 2012
4:22 pm
“Do you know the meaning of the word absurd? That was an absurd comparison you made. But, funny, nonetheless”
1: What was absurd about it?
2: Glad I can make you laugh.
Bruno
August 1st, 2012
4:23 pm
why nothing is free.
You guessed wrong. NIF was a different poster, a little more substantive in thought. NIF used to post on the old W2W blog using a different name. Think Tennessee and father at Iwo Jima…..